My child isn't talking yet: speech development and when to seek support
It's natural to wonder whether your child's speech and language development is on track. Children develop at different rates, and there is a wide range of what is considered typical. This page shares general information about speech and language milestones and explains when it may be helpful to speak with a speech-language pathologist. It is not a diagnostic tool.
General speech and language milestones
| Age | Expected skills |
|---|---|
| By 12 months | Babbling, using gestures like pointing and waving, responding to their name, saying one or two words |
| By 18 months | Using 10–20 words, pointing to show interest, following simple directions |
| By 24 months | Using at least 50 words, combining two words (e.g. 'more milk', 'daddy go'), strangers understanding about half of what they say |
| By 3 years | Using short sentences, asking questions, strangers understanding most of what they say |
| By 4 years | Telling simple stories, using sentences of 4–6 words, most speech understood by unfamiliar listeners |
These are general guidelines. Individual development varies. Consult a professional if you have concerns.
Understanding vs. talking
Language development involves both understanding (receptive language) and talking (expressive language). Some children understand a great deal but have difficulty expressing themselves. Others may talk but have difficulty understanding directions or following conversations. Both areas are important, and a speech-language pathologist can assess both.
Common concerns parents share
"My child understands everything but won't talk"
Some children have strong receptive language but delayed expressive language. This is worth discussing with a speech-language pathologist, who can assess both areas and recommend support if needed.
"My child used to say words but stopped"
A loss of previously acquired language skills is something to discuss with your child's pediatrician promptly. It can have various causes and warrants professional evaluation.
"My child only talks in certain situations"
Some children speak freely at home but not in other settings. This can be related to temperament, anxiety, or other factors. A speech-language pathologist can help assess the situation.
"People outside our family can't understand my child"
Speech clarity (articulation) develops over time. By age 3, most speech should be understandable to unfamiliar listeners. If it isn't, a speech evaluation can help identify whether support would be beneficial.
When it may be helpful to request a speech evaluation
Consider requesting a speech-language evaluation if your child is not meeting the general milestones above, if you have concerns about how they communicate, if they have lost language skills they previously had, or if their speech is difficult for others to understand. You do not need to wait until your child is 'old enough' or until a concern becomes more serious. Early evaluation provides information — it does not commit you to any particular course of action.
How speech therapy can help
Speech-language pathologists work with children on a wide range of communication skills, including articulation, vocabulary, sentence structure, understanding language, and social communication. Therapy is individualized to your child's specific needs and goals. Parent involvement is a key part of the process — therapists teach families strategies to support communication at home.
Frequently asked questions
Last reviewed: September 2026. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a diagnosis.
Have concerns about your child's communication?
Our speech therapy team is here to help. Request an evaluation to learn more about your child's communication skills and how we can support your family.